Lilith

This Sumerian and Hebrew goddess, once honoured for her wisdom, freedom, courage, playfulness, passion, pleasure and sexuality in pre 2300BCE, was portrayed as a demon by Levite priests at the dawn of patriarchy.

In Western tradition, she was the original partner of Adam, believed to be Eve's dark sister, and representative of all that is dark, wild, intensely creative and free in human nature, existing beyond the reach of society's boundaries or control. Created equally together in the image of Elohin (a word for "god", having feminine and masculine linguistic roots). Her liberationist attitude and assertive behaviour was threatening to the emerging patriarchs, and led to her expulsion from Eden to be replaced by the more subservient Eve.

The story goes, that Lilith, like Adam, had been created from the dust of the earth. But as soon as she had joined Adam they began to quarrel, each refusing to be subservient and Submissive to the other. "I am your lord and master," spoke Adam, "and it is your duty to obey me." But Lilith replied: "We are both equal, for we are both issued from dust, and I will not be submissive to you." And thus they quarrelled and none would give in. Because Lilith now had power over Yahweh, she demanded he give her wings and she flew to the desert. Adam begged Yahweh to send Lilith back to him and Yahweh sent the three angels Senoi, Sansenoi and Samangloph to find her and bring her back. They found her on the banks of the Red Sea, copulating with demons, and giving birth to hundreds of demon children. She refused to return and was told that she would lose a hundred of her children every day if she did not, but still she refused.

In modern times, she is considered the first feminist and liberationist, Lilith boldly instructs us to stand up for what we believe in, unbridled and courageous no matter what the cost.

Gemstones: Amber, tiger eye, garnet, bloodstone, tourmaline, smoky quartz